6c Green, State (O60). Rich color, tied by oval grid cancel with "Washington D.C. Mar. 16 2PM 1883" duplex datestamp on legal-size cover with "Legation of the United States" imprint, "Tokei Japan" in manuscript and "Department of State" purple handstamp below imprint, signed by John A. Bingham and addressed to Uriah Hunt Painter in New York City, intact red wax seals on back, New York receiving backstamp, a few minor toned spots and small tear in stamp at upper right

VERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED STATE DEPARTMENT STAMP ON A COVER FROM JAPAN.

This cover was carried from Japan to the United States in a diplomatic pouch and entered the mails at Washington, D.C., on March 16, 1883. It was signed and sent by John A. Bingham, who served as U.S. Minister to Japan for a longer period of time than any other minister to Japan. He was minister during the terms of four Republican presidents from May 31, 1873, to July 2, 1885. His successor was appointed in 1885 by Grover Cleveland, the newly elected Democratic Party president.

Lester C. Lanphear III recorded this cover as the only State Department usage from Japan in his article, "Department of State: Inbound Consular Mail to Family Members, 1873-1884" (Chronicle 259).

Ex Ainsworth. With 1976 A.P.S. certificate (the application portion has a note from the submitter: "from a large find with other estate corresp. at W. Chester Pa.").

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